Since it started in 1986, the RONDALLA CMI-CLUB DE CAMPO DE FERROL, founded and led by Xosé Manuel Couce Fraguela, has been all about celebrating the vibrant song culture of Ferrol and the beloved tradition of the Night of the Pepitas. This talented group has added fresh works in both Galician and Spanish to the city's musical scene, collaborating with a wonderful array of composers and poets, including Couce Fraguela himself, Xosé Luis Blanco Campaña, Javier Fernández Manso, Lito Vieira, and many more. Over the years, the Rondalla has brought their musical heritage to life through more than 800 concerts across Galicia, Asturias, and Portugal. They’ve even had the honor of representing Ferrol in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria! You might have caught them on TVG or TVE, or heard their music on the radio. They’ve produced several recordings, from their debut CD "Morriña" in 1993 to their more recent albums, "Rondalla Club de Campo" and "Tradición y savia nueva," both released in 2010, showcasing a wonderful selection of their songs. The dedication and passion of the Rondalla, along with the innovative vision of their director, have earned them a cherished place in the hearts of the public. Their lively commitment to composing new songs in Galician for the Pepitas has also inspired other local groups. Favorite tracks like "Olliños de mel," the first Havana sung in Galician, and the charming waltz "Amada ausente," better known as "Nas ondas do mar," have truly captured the spirit of the people of Ferrol. Couce Fraguela's creativity shines through as the group embraces a wide variety of musical styles. They’ve adapted Galician polyphonic pieces, folk songs, opera, zarzuela, and even sounds from Caribbean and South American traditions. Their repertoire includes Portuguese, Asturian, and Basque songs, along with boleros, tangos, spirituals, and original compositions, making the Rondalla CMI-Club de Campo a lively reference in the music of Ferrol. They’ve had the pleasure of performing together with the Music Unit of the Royal Guard in Madrid and the Municipal Music Band of Ferrol. While they don’t enter competitions, you’ll often find them as special guests at festivals and events, sharing their joy and passion for music with everyone.

In 2013, the Provincial Council of A Coruña published the book titled "25th Anniversary of the Rondalla CMI-Club de Campo: 25 Years of the Musical History of Ferrol," authored by Pedro X. Brancollano. Brancollano has collaborated with the Rondalla for over twenty-five years and was honored by the City Council of Ferrol as a historical lyricist during the Pepitas Festival in 2012. His book provides a comprehensive overview of the group's history and a documented study on the origins of the Festa das Pepitas, all within the context of Ferrol's own history. Additionally, he was responsible for drafting the report that led to the recognition of the festival as a "Galician Festival of Tourist Interest" in 2013. On December 8, 2016, the Rondalla celebrated its thirtieth anniversary with a grand festival at the Jofre Theater, which was recorded and broadcast by TVG. Titled "Thirty Years Between Friends," a DVD of the event was produced, featuring various artists from Ferrol participating and presenting a surprising repertoire of international music. In 2021, the Rondalla was invited by the Rondalla Mayor of Costa Rica to join the Rondallas Organization of Latin America. On November 5, 2022, they represented Spain at the III Latin American Festival of Rondallas, titled "Vive la Música." Since early 2021, Couce Fraguela has retired from artistic activity after leading the group for thirty-five years. He has been succeeded by David San Martín González, a graduate in Piano and Saxophone, Conservatory Professor, Performer, and Composer. San Martín continues the legacy of his predecessor, incorporating new voices and talented instrumentalists while adding his personal touch, which has garnered much appreciation. The group is deeply respected and loved by the public, particularly the people of Ferrol, and stands out in its genre. This year, the members of the Rondalla are especially joyous because on December 16, 2023, the Royal Galician Academy of Fine Arts Nosa Sra. do Rosario awarded Xosé Manuel Couce Fraguela the Silver Medal and the "Marcial del Adalid" Diploma. This prestigious award is one of the highest honors a musician can achieve in Galicia and marks the first time an individual or entity linked to the Festa das Pepitas has received such recognition in its history. This honor highlights and supports the significance of Ferrol's music, particularly as efforts are underway to gain recognition for the festival as one of National Tourist Interest. Couce Fraguela had previously been honored in 2009 by the City Council and the Rondallas de Ferrol as a historical musician of As Pepitas.